Sierra swept at Kimball as boys suffer first loss

With two of their top contributors out, Sierra High’s boys swimmers suffered their first defeat of the season by a 99-71 margin at Kimball of Tracy. Kimball’s girls also won by the same score.

“Robin (Errecart) and I are proud of the kids; a lot of them (set personal records),” said Sierra coach Dave Breitenbucher. “They are where we want them to be at this point of the season, we just ran into a good program.”

The Sierra boys, who fell to 5-1 in the Valley Oak League and 6-1 overall, were without senior Zach Thomas (sick), and another key member is done for the remainder of the season with an injury. The lack of depth hurt the Timberwolves in the three relays, where they fielded just one team while Kimball countered with three.

Sierra’s top dogs did their usual damage. Scott Tolman took first in the 200-yard individual medley and 100 breaststroke. John Buonauro won the 500 freestyle and took second to teammate Trevor Fast in the 100 backstroke. Tolman, Buonauro and Fast were joined by Sammy Kizlin on the winning 200 medley relay team.

The Lady Timberwolves (4-2, 5-2) could only muster three wins. They were paced by Amy Windschitl (200 IM), Vanessa Flores (100 free) and the 200 free relay quartet of Olivia Higby, Natalie Jamero, Flores and Windschitl.

Ripon 92.5, Manteca 75.5 (B)

Ripon 106, Manteca 61 (G)

Stephen Ruble was the lone first-place finisher for Manteca, and he doubled up with victories in the 500 and 100 free. He clocked in a 23.13 seconds in the 50 for a Sac-Joaquin Section Trials-qualifying time.

Brandon Craighead was second (1:02.89) in the 100 butterfly but shaved nearly 5 seconds off his personal best. The boys team is now 3-3 in the VOL.

As for the Manteca girls (2-4), Haylee Both took second in the 100 free and third in the 200 IM while improving times in both events. Julia Saling was second in the 100 breaststroke and inched closer to a section-qualifying time.

“Ripon has such a great aquatics program and their swimmers really brought out the best in my swimmers, which is always great to see.”

Oakdale 115, East Union 55 (B)

Oakdale 99, East Union 71 (G)

Jenelle Macedo (200 IM, 100 free) and Hanna Estrella (100 fly, 100 back) each contributed first- and second-place finishes for East Union. The Lancers’ 200 freestyle relay team took first and nearly hit the section-qualifying standard. The girls 400 free relay also came close to earning a section berth.

Lucas Romero lost a narrow race in the 200 freestyle and was second in the 100 free. Kyle Merkle out-touched teammate Jose Duenas to win the 200 IM.